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Sunday, March 17th, 2019
The Flexsteel Bedroom King Poster Bed is beautifully shabby chic.
If you’ve ever appreciated shabby chic style before, what was it about this design that truly caught your eye? Are you able to recall a French country distressed piece that truly matched (or mismatched) the crockery? If this style excites you, then this spring might just be the perfect time to redress your home.
When asked to define, though, will you be able to tell what shabby chic really is? Where did it come from?
Shabby chic isn’t your regular interior design. It has a mind of its own and it is rebellious, in a way. You should learn about the philosophies behind this style so you can truly appreciate that it can offer and so you can also invest the correct furniture pieces.
Not a Shabby History
To study the origins of shabby chic means going beyond modern times.
The architectural roots of shabby chic started in the Middle Ages when a great percentage of Europe’s population had been wiped out by the plague. During this time, the lost Roman and Greek relics were being rediscovered and appreciated.
Baroque architects wanted to recreate the glorious days of these two great civilizations by building stately homes and installing monuments. It is also easy to find plum cherub and gold leaf ornaments.
By the 18th century, the Enlightenment Movement has taken over the secular world. During this time, the architects felt freer so they zeroed in on wit and humor which were a lot different from the traditional principles.
Comfort also became a priority as the backs of chairs were lengthened and then cushioned for added support. The posh Rococo curves were difficult to ignore but when Marie Antoinette was beheaded, those who loved this style went underground.
From the 1980s Onward
History wasn’t kind to the Rococo style. It wasn’t till the ‘80s when designers and architects wanted to push the boundaries of style yet again. The oldest aristocratic estates were scoured for old furniture and these pieces were eventually repurposed.
Shabby chic is also referred to, these days, as cottage or farmhouse style. This is quite similar with the French country style. It is warm, friendly, welcoming, and a style that’s not difficult to love.
Other characteristics of shabby chic are – uncluttered, textured, simple, natural (because it makes use of materials such as burlap and linen), and worn.
Of course, worn.
This is the very feature that you should strive to achieve when you want to have a shabby chic home. And when you’re able to pull this off, what an appealing home you will surely have.
Always Neutral
Okay, here’s a general rule for shabby chic – you must love neutrals. Every successful interior design project has harmony. Every element used plays a crucial part in the whole ensemble so there are elements that shine and some that are subdued.
In the case of shabby chic background, it should be neutral. Even when the shabby chic furniture is also neutral-colored, there is a certain beauty in having it blend with a different shade of yet another neutral hue.
You may also use some shabby chic pieces that are colorfully bold. If this is the case, then the neutral background would, again, serve as the perfect frame. And when talking about background, we mean features of your home such as the walls, floors and the ceilings.
Go for wooden flooring. Nothing beats this material when you want to have a shabby chic setting.
Vintage Is In
Shabby chic style is, simply put, vintage.
Take a look at these pieces from our lineup – https://www.mccreerys.com/itembrowser.aspx?action=attributes&itemtype=furniture&event=reset&wcsearch=shabby-chic
There are no limits when it comes to the accessories that you can use. Use lavish picture frames, ornate chairs with comfy backrests, and many other nostalgic pieces.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic essentials, shabby chic furnishings, shabby chic history
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Shabby Chic Reviewed
Friday, March 30th, 2018
Coming Soon: Hooker Furniture Bedroom Modern Romance King Panel Bed for your shabby chic bedroom.
Shabby chic – should you consider using this as the theme for your home – is bright, light, pretty, and classic. This style has become quite popular but the hub of its many admirers are in England and France. The year 2012 has been a great year for this design and just like the vintage design, it is a style that conveys comfort and a certain level of femininity. Their only difference?
Shabby chic presents a used or worn look. You could somehow look back to those days when you visited your grandma’s home ‘cept that the shabby chic is now more appealing and stylish.
The Lexington Living Room Byblos Chair 1530-11 is just right for a shabby chic living room.
Key Shabby Chic Elements
Designing with shabby chic means you are ready to embrace part-ashen wood furnishings. The style is often vintage with white or cream as the main color palette. You could almost feel nostalgic with this style just as it initiates romantic feelings in most beholders.
Since white is the chief color, you should not be bound to just one tint. You can use different tints or shades depending on your taste. In doing so, you set up separate or distinct spaces in your living area.
Other colors that you can use with the shabby chic style are beryl green, bluish gray, powder blue, baby pink, the color of Azalea, marzipan, and wool white.
You will need to widen your imagination since you’re making new furniture look old. If you’re uncertain about how to update your furniture to the new shabby chic look, then you can choose from our lovely pieces – here.
European cottage, offered mostly by Stanley Furniture which we also carry, offers a wide variety of shabby chic pieces, too – choose from our European Cottage pieces.
You can opt for skirted chairs and couches.
When it comes to the accessories, go all out. There are no limits with regard to this decorative element. Look for opulent porcelain sets, rose-flowered curtains and cushions, and vintage-looking picture frames.
Never be afraid to mix and match with the shabby chic style. Don’t be limited to just white or cream. You can have different finishes and colors coming from different eras. You can either stain, paint, or distress your furniture.
Shabby chic is also about being sophisticated while being sunny. It is the proper mixture of bold, vibrant pieces with the more subdued and classic ones. Again, do not forget that this style is basically feminine so go ahead and install that curvy mirror with gold framing. You can also hang that glittery chandelier to make your feminine statement complete.
If you love the look of contemporary interiors but still like to use shabby chic as your theme, well, don’t fret. To achieve a contemporary edge, try to use clean-lined furniture pieces instead of the ornate ones. Make sure that the architectural features also do not have any ornate designs.
It could get a little fuzzy when you realize that your shabby chic living room is starting to look like Nordic interiors. To soften the look and make it appear warmer and more welcoming, use natural warm woods, slip-covered furniture pieces, and vintage leather. The idea is to use these charming pieces to offset the mainly white surroundings.
Next, make the patinas work. Well-worn furnishings are the best pieces to create a more comfortable and intimate feeling in a space. Use an old door as a headboard. Remove loose paint using steel wool (the fine type) and cover with a protective sealer.
You can also go eclectic with shabby chic. If you happen to have a large collection of chinaware, then show them off in your shabby chic dining room and kitchen. A white, distressed china cabinet would do well to display your prized collections.
Tags: designing with shabby chic, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic design elements, shabby chic style
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Wednesday, December 13th, 2017
The Century Furniture Living Room Fox Tuxedo Chair AE-11-1068 is made with sturdy Scandinavian leather.
Scandinavian or Nordic style remains to be one of the most sought-after looks by interior designers, critics, and homeowners. It is especially popular this last quarter of the year because of the Christmas season. All things hygge seems to fascinate people globally. But what features totally describe the Nordic look?
Believe it or not, there are some popular myths about this look. If you’re not careful, you could fall into the same trap and end up making your home look like it’s the land of the frost giants.
Myth #1: Scandinavian Style Means All White
While Nordic nations do love white interiors because of its light-giving properties (remember how dark it could get during those long wintry months?), it could also cause depression when not used with care.
You still can use colors, in fact, you have a rainbow of tints and shades to choose from. The safest way to do it is to find the most gorgeous pastel colors. Imagine ice cream flavors and you have pretty much captured what a stylish Scandinavian interior should look like.
Myth #2: Scandinavian Style Is Always Minimalist
Have you seen those Nordic-style homes in interior design magazines? While almost all of them are simple and pared-down, with their unadorned rooms and shades of black and gray, the Swedes, Danes, Icelanders, Finns, and Norwegians are far from unexciting.
In fact, they also have a more exciting side to them. Adding simple potted green changes the monochrome setting in an instant. You can delight your guests with patterns and popping hues taking inspiration from Nordic arts and products.
If you have seen Josef Frank’s patterns, you will surely feel warmer and more welcome as he tries to soften neutral homes.
Myth #3: Scandinavian Style Is All Wood and Organic
Oops, wrong again.
No less than three of the Scandinavian nations are covered with lush forests so it is not a surprise that they are default resources for many furniture and housing needs. While this is true and while organic stuff is welcome, there are many creative works out there that also spell Danish or Icelandic.
Colorful, bright patterns such as flamingos are always welcome.
Brentwood Collection features the Sadie Night Table which offers the light-colored wood requirement for your home’s Nordic look.
Myth #4: Scandinavian Style Is All About Living Close to Nature
Nordic countries are always pictured as idyllic countryside villages with gentle breezes. While there is plenty of woods and the locals do love nature and everything organic, they do not limit themselves to the stunning beauty of nature alone.
A bigger percentage of Scandinavians actually live in cities, metropolitan spaces, and towns. These are urban areas though they may not have as dense a population as New York City but, you do get the picture.
Since they, too, live in an urbanized location, it is pretty common to find the most interesting architectural features.
Myth #5: You Can Shop for Hygge
Hygge has become a catch-phrase of sorts as this has become synonymous with warmth and coziness. While tea, sheepskins, slippers, and open furnaces are the coziest things that you can have in your home, there are other ways to create hygge in your home.
Spending time with your loved ones inside your well-lit home is hygge. This is the Nordic statement for contentment inside one’s own home.
Myth #6: Scandinavian Is All Function
While Nordic style does put its emphasis on functionality, you must never forget about style. Just think of their global designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, and Lisa Larson and you would understand that Nordic interiors are far from static.
Now that we’ve busted these six myths, are you ready to redesign your home into a more exciting Nordic theme?
Tags: hygge, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Nordic style, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, Scandinavian style, shabby chic
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on 6 Scandinavian Design Myths Busted
Thursday, June 15th, 2017
Camden-Brookhaven: The Fairmont Drawer Dresser is shabby chic in all aspects.
Shabby chic is one trend that keeps on growing in beauty and in meaning. This summer season, don’t just go to the nearest flea market and pick the termite-laden pieces that could be sitting there. Instead, make time to truly design your shabby chic summer home.
There are just so many ways to incorporate shabby chic to rooms in your home. If you’re still confused about what pieces to pick and which ones to not include, then know that this style is similar to cottage or farmhouse settings. It is also similar to the French country look so sheer perfection is an absolute necessity.
What, perfection?
Okay, before you panic and think about how to perfect your shabby chic habitat, it’s best to celebrate in the elements that you are about to put in. Relax and, instead, enjoy what you are about to do.
Uncluttered
Shabby chic is uncluttered. It is simple and free from anything that distracts the senses.
To unclutter, make a list of all the rooms that you need to clean up for this shabby chic project. There are – you would soon find out – several clutter spots in your home.
Clean up one room at a time. Don’t force yourself to finish all in just one day – you would surely burn out. Better yet, set completion dates for each room.
Sometimes, uncluttered simply means you embrace a minimalist lifestyle. To simplify your life, just begin by discarding all the duplicates. Throw those that you have been keeping in your closet for years and dress with less.
Embrace the Blues
Blue may be a gender-specific color but the right shade should give you the freedom to use it whether you’re a man or a woman.
Blue is no less than the color of the skies and the vast oceans. This is a constant hue that invokes a relaxing feeling.
Blue doesn’t just offer health benefits, it can also be the perfect color for your new shabby chic setting. Just veer away from electric blue and other such brilliant hues. Instead, use powder blue or any light variation of blue. This way, you get to achieve the shabby chic calmness and coolness while being smart and intuitive.
Weathered Look Is the Look
Also known as the distressed finish, this is to intentionally make the furniture surface look weathered. You can have your existing pieces sanded down (this could take days of sanding and repainting) or you can simply pick from our lovely array of shabby chic pieces.
The weathered look can be further displayed when you use weathered wood, woven baskets, chipped paint, burlap and other decorative traits. Even an old window encased in wood makes for a charming entryway element for your new shabby chic place.
Repurpose
Another lovely thing about shabby chic is that it utilizes furniture in spaces that they weren’t traditionally meant to be placed. For instance, the dresser could be used as a china cabinet this time in your shabby chic dining room.
You can also set up more hidden storage in these repurposed furniture pieces.
Balance
If you’re thinking that sophisticated pieces such as the candelabra, wall sconces, chandeliers, and ornate furniture pieces have no home in a shabby chic environment, think again. You can use these pieces to balance the rest of the minimalist pieces that you have everywhere. Having a shabby chic look does not mean that every piece would have to have a worn out or chippy look.
A more elegant way to do shabby chic is to infuse one or two pieces of this design scheme and the let the rest frame those interesting pieces.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic design elements, shabby chic elements, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, shabby chic style
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Shabby Chic for Summer – Why Not?
Monday, May 15th, 2017
Lexington Dining Room Oxford Square Arm Chair 4011-463-201511
The design term known as shabby chic was first mentioned in the ‘80s. It’s a term that is being attributed to Rachel Ashwell, an English interior designer. It first graced the pages of The World of Interiors and has since become a renowned trans-Atlantic feature.
Shabby chic is the marriage of country style British and the lovely chateau of France. This style emerged from the posh ‘80s when a lot of the interior design trends progressed to the charm of English homes. Pretty soon, shabby chic went global and homeowners were going gaga about it.
Rachel Ashwell moved stateside when she had to open her first Shabby Chic store in 1989. This Santa Monica shop took on the world of interior design by surprise. It is nearing its 30th anniversary in 2019. The design, by itself, now has a following of its own and it’s only the business model that needs a makeover.
Constant Revamp
The shabby chic style is in constant need of reconditioning, mixing and matching. It also pays homage to mending and making do with what’s existing. But you don’t have to strip your current furniture of its paint just so you can achieve the shabby chic style.
Nowadays, there are a lot of shabby chic furniture pieces in the market. While these furnishings are practically new, they have the lived in or worn appeal. In fact, shabby chic is also now infused with some rustic elements such as the 18th century Shaker style.
Shop for Shabby Chic
When looking for the perfect pieces for your shabby chic home, be sure to find the ones that look vintage. Take a careful look at the paint finish, look for the ones that have a distressed look. This means that the lower layer of paint has been exposed to suggest wear and tear.
You don’t have to reuse or recycle furniture that is already frail. Find the hottest ones in the market. Blend both fresh and new as well as pretty florals and antique lace. Shabby chic is mainly English so go ahead and set up your dining area for an afternoon tea. If there are tea stains, don’t hesitate to show ‘em.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Three-Drawer Chest
Shabby Chic Rooms
Shabby chic is a style that keeps living on. If you want to make it your own, then you can begin in your kitchen. None can be a more sophisticated color for your kitchen walls than the lovely gray. All the country elements would feel right with this hue.
After the kitchen, you can go on to the attic. Here, you can set up a unique bedroom complete with painted rough floorboards with white walls. Just add a charming Persian rug and you’re done.
When it comes to the dining space, it would be nice to begin with rustic walls. Use paneling and other elements that look vintage.
As for the bedroom, you can prominently display your furnishings with the distressed look. Even out-of-season cushions and sheets can be used as a display. Just wallpaper your armoire with the same wallpaper on your bedroom walls.
If you love colorful spaces, then have the shabby chic reinvented with a Boho twist. If you’re aiming for this, make sure to veer away from white and work on pastels instead.
All in all, shabby chic is far from shabby. This is a design that will surely add elegance to any home. It is popular so you also won’t worry about being out of style. Shabby chic pieces are very easy to find. This is added great news since there are hundreds of options to choose from.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design
Posted in 2017 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Spring Season | Comments Off on Shabby Chic This Spring 2017
Thursday, April 21st, 2016
Whitewashed piece is from FFDM’s Campton Grove Collection
Antique finds and vintage pieces – the distressed, imperfect and cracked finishes, add the sparkling crystal chandeliers, old yet fresh-smelling linens, lots of white – yes, these describe the shabby chic style perfectly. This interior design theme is not for everyone, though. Shabby chic is luxurious yet still comfortable. This thrives in the spirit of seemingly old stuff yet new and clean.
This Style Ain’t Shabby
Don’t ever let the word shabby fool you into embracing the principles of this wonderful theme. It may seem unstructured to look at, at first, but the lack of formal rules is what makes this style timeless. It brings in an effortless sophistication into any home.
Don’t think of flea markets, though, or cheap retail shops or you would be disappointed with what you would find.
Say yes to handicrafts, vintage textiles , and white, distressed furniture. There is no need to search high and low for the best whitewashed furniture pieces, we have everything that you would need to set up your shabby chic home.
Get the look with these simple guidelines –
Universal Furniture Bedroom Storage Bed King 987260SB
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neutral, neutral design, neutral palette, rustic, rustic charm, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, shabby chic style, vintage, vintage design, vintage furniture, vintage interior design, vintage interiors, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, white interior design, white interiors, wood, wood design element, wood elements, wooden, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2016
This FFDM Protege chair will be a lovely ‘mismatch’ to another neutral-colored seating piece.
If your heart jumps each time you see a condominium unit or a townhouse, then know that you have to prepare to live in a place that is cozy. Foregoing the idea of an open space plan is not an easy decision to make but should you sign up for this kind of home, then it’s time to look for the right design that is most suitable for it. ‘Ever considered the shabby chic style?
Okay, so you have saved every bit of hard-earned money and have sacrificed on shopping and travel – what now?
Old vs. New
Carefully plan what theme you will use before you move in to your new condominium or townhouse unit. One of the most utilized, these days, when it comes to limited space is the shabby chic concept.
Rachel Ashwell popularized this stylish interior design concept to focus on comfort, highlight the beauty of seemingly time-worn furniture and objects, and for the homeowner to appreciate practical living.
This concept can even guide you in mixing traditional and new pieces. Choose from our catalogue and find the right furniture, accessories and lighting fixtures.
If you are thinking of buying second-hand furniture, think again. It is much better to have new furniture given a distressed appeal than to take the risk of buying the damaged ones. Bargain shops sell at the lowest prices but you are never guaranteed of the quality of the stuff that you are buying. So, it is much better to invest in a few quality pieces than to have different sets of furniture only to end up spending more money on repairs.
Coming from the Ancestry Collection of FFDM, this light-colored drawer is sure to be a big hit inside any shabby chic setting.
Let’s Decorate
The shabby chic style is basically minimalist and is almost synonymous with white. You may paint the walls of your home with flat white, pearl, cream, or any shade of white. Apart from having white(ish) walls, take note that you also need to have a few white furniture and accent pieces. These will add a distinct as well as intimate feel to your home. White furnishings are also easy to clean using your regular household bleach.
Now, which room would you like to design first?
First, there’s the living room. Carry the modern facade from the outside to this part of your home. Your condominium or townhouse unit will surely have a rustic yet cozy appeal once you start bringing in the lovely furniture and accent pieces.
The living room must have a clean yet non-antiseptic feel. It should be minimalist but with a few accent pieces to boost such as a lovely chest, a coffee table, console table, or some shelves.
In the dining room, be sure to showcase a table that was aged to sit perfectly in this important space. Have a Victorian couch rest against the white wall. Wicker chairs would look lovely when placed with white curtains as backdrop.
Now to the kitchen: have the furniture and appliances in neutral colors. This is so they won’t clash with the condo or townhouse’s overall appeal.
If you are one of those who prefer to have a home office, then use a white desk as much as you can. Now couple the lovely white desk with a unique accent chair and some neutral shelves.
Should you still have space for one guest room, then make sure that this room is just as cozy as the rest of your home. Use the same shade on the walls and on the furniture that will be placed there. Since the bed is pretty much the focal point, then take time to choose the ones that you will invest in for the master bedroom as well as this room.
Lastly, with your shabby chic bathroom, ascertain that you do not miss out on an ornate mirror that will bring character to this room. Find one that has a wooden frame that matches the stylish theme that you have chosen.
Tags: classic, classic design, classic home, classic interiors, classic style, feminine, feminine design, feminine interior design, feminine interiors, feminine style, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalist, minimalist design, old, old vs. new, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, shabby chic, shabby chic design, shabby chic interior design, shabby chic interiors, timeless, timeless design, timeless interior design, timeless interiors, tips, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture
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